Description
Cajun Steak & Shrimp Alfredo
This bold and creamy dish brings together juicy Cajun-spiced steak, garlic butter shrimp, and a luxurious Alfredo sauce over pasta. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients
For the Cajun Steak
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp butter
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
For the Pasta
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Steak
Rub the steaks with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, & black pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side (or until desired doneness).
Add butter, baste the steak, then remove & let it rest.
Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic & red pepper flakes.
Add shrimp, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
Remove and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a clean pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, & tomatoes.
Simmer until thick and creamy.
Cook the Pasta & Combine
Boil pasta according to package directions, then drain.
Toss the pasta into the Alfredo sauce, coating well.
Assemble & Serve
Plate the Cajun Alfredo pasta, then top with steak slices & shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley & extra Parmesan.
Serve hot & enjoy with garlic bread & a glass of wine!
Would you add more heat or keep it mild? Let me know below!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing all ingredients: season the steak, peel the shrimp, mince garlic, and grate cheese. Cook the pasta first, reserving a cup of starchy water. In a large cast-iron skillet, sear the seasoned steaks to your preferred doneness, basting with butter. Set aside to rest. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp in garlic butter until just opaque. Remove shrimp. For the sauce, use a clean pan to melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in cream and Parmesan until smooth. Add seasonings and tomatoes, simmering until thickened. Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Toss drained pasta directly into the Alfredo sauce, adding pasta water if needed to loosen. Immediately plate the sauced pasta and top with steak slices and shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich dish immediately on warmed plates. A crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. For vegetables, try roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans. Classic garlic bread or a crusty baguette is essential for soaking up the extra sauce. Beverage pairings include a chilled Chardonnay, a hoppy IPA, or sparkling water with lemon.
How-to Summary
To make Cajun Steak & Shrimp Alfredo: 1) Cook pasta. 2) Sear Cajun-seasoned steak, then rest. 3) Sauté shrimp in garlic butter. 4) Create Alfredo sauce by simmering cream, Parmesan, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. 5) Toss pasta with sauce. 6) Top pasta with sliced steak and shrimp. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, sirloin, strip steak, or even flank steak work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness and fat content.
How can I make this dish less spicy? Use a mild Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme, omitting cayenne.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from breaking? Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding cheese. Use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that can cause graininess.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can season the steak and peel the shrimp up to a day in advance. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prep the garlic and measure ingredients ahead.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, use half-and-half, but be careful not to boil it vigorously. For a dairy-free alternative, try cashew cream or a high-fat coconut milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. They cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Slicing the steak before it has rested for at least 5-10 minutes, causing the juices to run out.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce, which can cause it to separate. Ensure the sauce is only at a simmer.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese, which often doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Not seasoning the pasta water generously with salt, which is your first chance to build flavor.
Conclusion
This Cajun Steak & Shrimp Alfredo is a show-stopping meal that masterfully balances bold spice with luxurious cream. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can reliably create a restaurant-worthy dinner at home. The combination of tender steak, succulent shrimp, and a perfectly emulsified sauce over pasta is sure to impress. Don’t forget to customize the heat level to your taste and enjoy the process of bringing these vibrant flavors together.